65-unit affordable housing building proposed by CMHA

A $13 million 65-unit affordable housing building is being proposed near Rotary House, along Resources Road. It would be erected where the community garden used to be located.

The Canadian Mental Health Association would operate the six-storey building.

Executive Director at the Canadian Mental Health Association in the Alberta Northwest Region, Debra Stoner says there is a growing need for low income housing in the community and they have put a lot of thought into this.

“Every floor will be designed to have a common space for tenants, and a common balcony on each floor for them to share. Our main floor, our design is to have a commercial style kitchen that will provide a meal service that tenants would be able to pay into. And also would be able to provide employment opportunities within the building for individuals.”

“We’re finding that we have an aging population that is needing more accessibility within the building, and are still needing that affordable housing component,” Stoner added.

They are hoping to move things along quickly as the plan is to break ground next spring.

“The goal is for May 2018. We’ve been working on this for approximately two years. We’re in the process of trying to start a capital campaign and get funders. We’re hoping the community will get on board. We’re going to be approaching community members and going from there,” Stoner explained.

The Canadian Mental Health Association already operates Willow Place in Grande Prairie, which is a 57-unit affordable housing building.

They took feedback from residents at Willow Place and considered all of their options before making design plans.

The proposed project would include both one-bedroom units and bachelor suites.

It awaits final approval from City Council before it can move forward.